1.5 The Theory of Plate Tectonics



Vocabulary



Scientific Theory: a well tested concept that explains a wide range of observations
Plate Tectonics: the geological theory that pieces of Earth's lithosphere are in constant, slow motion, driven by convection currents in the mantle
Faults: breaks in Earth's crust where rocks have slipped past each other- forms along these boundaries
Transform Boundary: a place where two plates slip past each other
Divergent Boundary: the place where two plates move apart, or diverge
Rift Valley: a deep valley forms along the divergent boundary
Convergent Boundary: the place where two plates come together, or converge


Outline



Plates
  • -plate tectonics
  • -lithosphere

Boundary
  • -transform boundary: two plates slip
  • -divergent boundary: two plates move apart

Continents
  • - one to ten cm. per year
  • - moves super slow